ST. PETERSBURG, FL, March 18, 2014 - With just 10 days remaining until the 10th anniversary of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, organizers are finalizing details that will give fans and family more excitement than ever before.

WISH for OUR HEROS (W4OH) returns with troops... and HERO ZONE

For the second consecutive year, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is proud to welcome WISH for OUR HEROS, a national charitable organization that allows men and women of the United States military to improve the quality of their family lives while at home or on deployment. In addition to sending active-duty military to the race, W4OH will deploy for the first time in St. Petersburg its popular HERO ZONE – a free, interactive military obstacle course designed by our troops for children of all ages. Bring your children and test their skills on some of the same obstacles our troops face in basic training. The HERO ZONE is located inside of Gate 1, next to the Speed Zone.

WISH for OUR HEROES 5K Run

Are you a runner or jogger? Looking to support a good cause? The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg offers residents and tourists alike another way to join in on the festivities while supporting a good cause and enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic St. Petersburg downtown temporary street course. Participate in the Wish for Our Heroes 5K Run presented by Modern Business Associates on Friday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit Wish for Our Heroes. Register on line at www.gpstpete.com.

Ferris Wheel rolls back into town... for a good cause

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg has partnered with the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter to bring fans a truly uplifting experience. This year, the 105-foot tall Ferris Wheel offers fans a way to give back in honor of the late Dan Wheldon. Dan made his home in St. Petersburg with his wife Susie and sons Sebastian and Oliver. The family was and remains a strong supporter of the Alzheimer's Association and their efforts to educate the community, provide support to those living with the disease and find a cure for Alzheimer's.

Proceeds from the purchase of a ride on the 80-foot Ferris Wheel go directly to the Alzheimer's Association in Dan's memory. Come view the race - and the city - from atop the 80' Ferris Wheel and support Alzheimer research.

The Bright House Networks Speed ZoneThe Bright House Networks Speed Zone is back again this year with activities for all, including: Caricature / Air Brush artists, Gyroscope, Boxer Jocks, Rock Climbing Wall, Power Jump, Mechanical Bull, Pit Stop Challenge and Official Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and INDYCAR merchandise kiosks.

Easily accessible via Gate 1, the Bright House Networks Speed Zone will also host the various autograph sessions to take place during the weekend, including the IndyCar driver session on Saturday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The IndyCar Fan VillageThe IndyCar Fan Village hosts numerous displays from the various sponsors of the race. Find out more about the sponsors and what they do to provide excitement all season long. The IndyCar fan zone is located by gate 1, next to the Bright House Networks Speed Zone.

Tickets still available!The event is proving its traction again this year in the hearts and minds of consumers as ticket sales are picking up. Tickets to the event are still available, but selling fast - to purchase visit www.gpstpete.com.

About the Firestone Grand Prix of St. PetersburgThe Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn waterfront circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, the Salvador Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlook the Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina.

To learn more about the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, visit gpstpete.com, like its Facebook page at facebook.com/GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter, @GPSTPETE, #FirestoneGP.

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More Information:Kathleen Stelmach / Paul Vaillancourt III727-698-9520 / 727-871-6632
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